Gun silencers could become more widespread in Florida under new legislation to allow the devices on hunters' weapons on public land.

Silencers, or 'suppressors' as they are known to gun enthusiasts, are currently illegal on public land but many veteran hunters say they're essential when using high-velocity weapons to prevent hearing loss.

However anti-gun lobbyists claim that in the wrong hands, silencers make guns even more deadly.

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Chuck Papp screws a silencer on to his gun in Fort Worth, Florida. He says that the device is essential for hunters to prevent hearing loss

Chuck Papp, from the Palm Beach shooting Center in Lake Worth, Florida, told MailOnline today that these items are expensive to buy and strictly controlled.

Mr Papp said a silencer was important as hunting with a powerful rifle can lead to hearing loss over time. The use of a silencer also prevents animals from getting spooked.

However the potential relaxing of the law on silencers has caused outrage in groups who campaign against gun violence.

Angela Williams, the founder of Mothers Against Murderers, told MailOnline today: 'There is no such thing as strictly controlled. How are you going to stop someone breaking into your house to get one of these?